A Foodie’s Guide to the 10 Best Dishes in Tanzania
Tanzania is not only known for its majestic national parks that cover endless plains of land, its stunning wildlife diversity and its magnificent islands, but it’s also known for the delicious Swahili cuisine that predominates the land. The Swahili cuisine is influenced by Indian, Arab and Portuguese food.
Here are the top 10 best dishes in Tanzania that you need to try:
- Mishikaki
Barbecued meat on skewers, also called Mishikaki, is a popular Tanzanian dish that can also be found on street food stalls around the country. The meat could consist of chicken, mutton, beef or any seafood.
- Chipsi Mayai
Chipsi Mayai is a breakfast dish that consists of French fries mixed with eggs – the combination tastes so delicious that it will have you wondering why you’ve never had the idea before!
- Zanzibari Pizza
Zanzibar Pizza is different from your traditional pizza – it contains eggs and mayo as toppings! You can find this at various pizza parlours across Zanzibar.
- Biryani/Pilau
This Swahili dish will have you licking your fingers once you’re done! It’s a rice dish that consists of chicken mixed with a blend of spices that will leave your taste buds satisfied. Biryani is similar to pilau, except it’s higher on the spice level.
- Mandazi
The African version of donuts, Mandazi, consist of sweet dough that’s fried. The dough is usually triangular in shape but can be found in many other shapes as well. Coconut milk is also added to the dough, giving it a unique flavor. Often, you’ll get a side dip with your Mandazis.
- Ndizi Kaanga
Fried green bananas, also called Ndizi Kaanga, make for an amazing sweet dish. Sprinkle some cinnamon powder on top and enjoy your delicious dessert!
- Nyama Choma
Nyama Choma consists of meat marinated with a blend of spices and then roasted. Often, it’s served with Ugali, naan and kachumbari, a type of salad consisting of chopped tomatoes and onions.
- Ugali
More of a side than a main dish, Ugali is a staple that makes up a large portion of Tanzanian meals. Ugali is made of maize flour kneaded into a dough with some water. It’s cooked and served with a Swahili curry.
- Ndizi na Nyaama
Plantains with meat, also called Ndizi na Nyaama, taste absolutely delicious. It’s essentially a stew that contains green bananas with meat. Other food items that may be added include carrots, tomatoes, onions and lady fingers.
It’s traditionally served with rice or ugali.
- Mchuzi wa Samaki
A Swahili seafood dish, Mchuzi wa Samaki consists of curry fish. The curry has a blend of spices mixed with coconut milk that give the dish its characteristic Swahili flavor.
You can eat it with a side of rice or with a dip sauce.
So, what are you waiting for? Head over to Tanzania and enjoy these 10 dishes! Don’t forget to check out our Guide to Air Travel in Tanzania if you plan on heading there.
